During WWII, those on the Home Front were subjected to heavy rationing on everything from food items to silk stockings. With the new onset of unity and patriotism, many everyday items took on a new military theme. If you weren't in the service, chances are you were either related to or new someone who was. The United States became an industrial giant during the war and depended on its citizens to man the factories as well as invest in savings bonds to fund the war.

Western Union Telegrams & Gold Star Mother Pin.

Two telegrams received by loved ones. The one on the left reports that Pvt. Ervin W. Moore was wounded in action in Tunisia, North Africa. The telegram on the right reports that Herbert Canon has been reported missing. The family would later learn that Herbert Canon was killed in action. Also pictured is a Gold Star Mother pin given to the Mother's of soldiers killed in action during the war.

Pfc. Arthur C. Lane Grouping.

This is part of a grouping named to Arthur C. Lane. The grouping consists of photos, letters and other paper ephemera collected by his widow. On the far left of the photo is the funeral memorial book of Pfc. Lane that is dated Dec. 11, 1948. Pfc. Lane was KIA near the Maginot Line on Dec. 8, 1944 while fighting with the 26th Inf. Division. He was 23 years old. Pfc. Lane's body was not returned to the United States until 1948 when he was finally laid to rest.

Sweetheart Bracelet.

Child's Army Dress Uniform.

This uniform includes a raincoat, Class A jacket, Sam Brown belt, shirt, pants and garrison cap. It is very well made and I'm sure this original owner was the envy of all the kids in the neighborhood.

Son in the Service Banners.

The banners were hung in the window of families with sons overseas. Each star would represent one soldier.

Son in the Service Flag.

This flag is approximately 30 x 20 inches.

Fighting For Freedom Glass Sign.

This is a painted glass sign with seven clear stars. When displayed, the appropriate amount of stars needed for loved ones serving could be backed in blue with the remainder whited out.

Son in Service Window Decal.

With original envelope. Instructions are printed on the back of the decal.

"Our Defenders" Boardgame.

This game has never been played. The object of this game is to complete your puzzle first. If the spinner lands on your soldier you get a piece of your puzzle. The first one to complete their puzzle wins. The puzzle pieces are still connected and have never been seperated.

Woman's Clutch Bag.

From Bert and Bob to their Mom. It would appear that they were Brothers, both serving in the 8th AAC.

OPA Tokens with Holder.

Civilian Defense sign, helmet and armband.

Aircraft Warning Service Armband.

The AWS called on civilian volunteers to act as airplane spotters.

Humorous Glasses.

These were probably pretty risque for the time.

Cora the Welder.

Noncombatant Gas Mask.

M1A2-I-I Medium Adult

Fold-out Photo Wallet.

Unknown AAF Major.

Bamboo Tube with Neptune Certificate.

This is an Ancient Order of the Deep certificate belonging to Benoit Edgar Provencal. He received it on Dec. 30, 1942 and sent it home to Maine in a bamboo tube. Benoit Provencal was a sailor on the attack transport ship USS George Clymer. The transport first saw action in the invasion of North Africa in operation Torch. The ship was then transferred to the Pacific where it took part in several major operations including Okinawa.

USO Flag.

The United Services Organization (USO) was founded in 1941 to provide moral and recreational services to United States military personnel both at home and overseas.

USO Armband.

Voice Recording Letters Home.

These records contain voice messages sent by soldiers to the loved ones. These could be made at a nearby USO club.

USO Pamphlets.

These are various pamphlets handed out at USO clubs around the country.

Flip Strip.

This booklet depicts a female parachutist who loses an article of clothing with each celluloid page that you flip up.

Victory Light.

This light comes with three covers (Red, White, Blue).

Red= Danger

White= Regular Use

Blue= Blackouts

Homefront Religious Plaque.

This plaque has a soldier kneeling behind Jesus with images of Generals MacArthur, Eisenhower, Pershing and Washington in the clouds.

Chesterfield Cigarette Ads.

Much of the advertising during WWII took on a military theme.

War Bonds Wallet.

United States War Savings Bonds.

In order to fund the war effort, Americans were encouraged to buy War Bonds.

Award Poster.

War Bonds Poster.

Buy War Bonds Poster.

Homefront Poster.

Don't Talk Poster.

Dated 1942.

Red Cross Poster.

Framed Poster of Iwo Jima Flag Raising.

Home Front Poster.

1944 War Bonds Poster.

Featuring General Eisenhower.

War Bonds Poster.

This is an unused War Bonds poster that would have been hung in a business or factory to track how much the employees had contributed in War Bonds.

Air Raid Warning System Poster.

Dated 1943.

Japanese Infantry Weapons Training Poster.

More Production Poster.

War Bonds Poster.

7th War Loan Poster.

Voting by Federal Ballot Poster.

Instructional poster for soldiers explaining how to vote in the 1944 Presidential election while serving overseas.

War Bonds Poster.

Ration Books, Stamps, Gas Card, OPA Tokens and Holder.

During the war almost all items had to be rationed. Households would receive ration booklets, OPA tokens and stamps for everything from food to gasoline.

Pamphlets.

This is a complete set of pamphlets prepared by the Women's Interests Section of the War Department to educate Mothers, Wives and Sisters about Army life.

Military Themed Pencil Box.

The box depicts an image of Marines landing on a beach. Above them the text says "The Marines Have Landed" and has a V..._ in the background.

"Take A Punch" Game.

One cent a punch.

Honorable Discharge Wallet.

Unused in original box. The wallet was used to hold discharge papers, ribbons and medals, and to record the history of your service.

Leather Photo Wallets.

Victory Hair Pins.

Victory Keys.

Uncut.

Army-Navy Production Award Emblem.

These emblems were awarded to workers for their exceptional production work.

Dot-Dash War Picture Puzzle Booklet.

$100 Bond Dinner & Revue.

This is the menu and list of entertainment for a bond drive dinner on Feb. 10, 1944.

"This is the Army" Sheet Music.

Written by Irving Berlin for the musical "I Left My Heart At The Stage Door Canteen".

Victory Scrap Book.

Ernie Pyle Magazine.

Victory Series Puzzle.

"Keep 'Em Smiling".

Cocktail napkin.

Handbook for Army Women.

This book is full of useful information for women who are married to servicemen.

U.S.S. Daniel A. Joy (DE-585)

This is a handmade, scratch built wooden model of the U.S.S. Daniel A. Joy. It measures 4 feet long, battery operated and is meant to go into the water. Builder unknown.

Armed Forces Radio Service Records.

The first transmission to U.S. troops during WWII began at 5:45 p.m. July 4, 1943 from London.